Quote Originally Posted by Hazed_blue View Post
Thanks for the info. I ended up ordering a Kat's frost plug heater that fits the Aveo, so we'll see how it turns out.
What's the wattage of the one you ordered? That'll be the biggest factor in how well it works. I'm guessing it's ~350w.

It's unlikely you'd have any trouble starting your car where you're going without a block heater, as long as your battery is good.

But a heater is much better for the engine than an extreme cold start - warm oil gets circulated where it's needed much more quickly. I can hear the difference in the engine sound at start-up between a (very) cold start compared to a start after using a block/coolant heater. Also, it's nice to have cabin heat within a couple of minutes of starting up.

I've been using a block heater for years. I'm a fan of the inline tank-style circulating heater, mostly because they come in the most powerful versions. Which means the coolant gets warmer, and you don't have to plug it in for as long. I've got an 800w one now. Was using an external, bolt-on element style OEM heater that was 350w before.

Nemasys: I've heard that rumour before too - about block heaters "spoiling" a car. It's not true. When I asked for an explanation, there wasn't one. The only possible one I can think of is an engine that is in really bad shape (tune) may start with help from a block heater, but not without it. But that's a basic maintenance issue, not a block heater issue. Like you said: good spark & a strong battery.